Money Saving Tips in Auckland

May 27, 2019

Auckland Money Saving Tips

Visit the City of Sails and Save on Accommodation, Dining, Attractions and Travel Costs

Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most popular cities to visit, and its reputation for high prices extends beyond just houses. Fortunately, we have put together 10 money-saving tips for Auckland to help cut the cost while maximizing your experience.

Go up the Sky Tower for “$1”

It is $29 for one adult to visit the Sky Tower, but you can dine at the Orbit restaurant with a minimum spend of $30 per person and enjoy complimentary Sky Tower admission 45 minutes before and/or after your dining experience. So this means you can go to the viewing platform before and after eating. We think this offers fantastic value and a better experience than just doing the Sky Tower visit by itself.

Get to and from the airport for much less

Don’t waste money on a taxi if you’re alone, travelling as a couple or with your family – the 24/7 SkyBus gets you into Auckland from as little as $16 each way for individuals and $32 for two adults and up to four kids. Buy in advance to maximise savings. Taxis can be an eye-gouging $100+ each way, so the bus is always going to save the most.

Book a room from $65/night by avoiding hotels

It’s widely publicised Auckland has a housing crisis, but it also has a hotel shortage. If you’re thinking of staying in the CBD, hotels start from a staggering $175+ a night. However, you don’t have to stay miles away from the action to save big. Airbnb offers 5-star reviewed rooms from $65 a night throughout the CBD.

Want a local experience? Airbnb in one of Auckland’s charming neighbourhoods and save more

Auckland’s inner city suburbs are a lot more attractive than the CBD and offer cheaper even better value Airbnb experiences. Newmarket and Ponsonby are hubs for shopping, and Takapuna is close to the city and by arguably Auckland’s finest beach. Or try harbour bridge-fronting Northcote and Ponsonby. With prices well below hotels and the convenience of free parking, Airbnb makes Auckland that little bit cheaper to experience.

Staying for a week or so during the summer? Look for University accommodation

If you’re planning to be in the city for an extended time during the summer months of December and January, consider the University of Auckland’s central city accommodation options.

Hostels are cheap and (mostly) cheerful – pick the best one

Hostels are located all over Auckland. All of them are rated by Booking.com, Tripadvisor and/or the BBH guide so you know what you’re getting before you book. Popular well-rated options are scattered across the city, most of them close to public transport options.

Bus, Ferry and Trains for less

If you’re going to be in Auckland for at least 2-3 days, the Auckland Transport (AT) HOP Card may be worth the $10 (non-refundable) investment as it saves up 35%-50% off all local transport. For example, a ferry to Devonport is $6.90 from the counter or $4.80 with an AT HOP card, so a return trip saves you $4.20 already. You can top up the card throughout Auckland and get any leftover money refunded to you when you leave the city. The AT HOP card saves you buying “paper tickets” and you won’t need to carry cash to pay for fares either. There are no peak and off-peak fares, so travel whenever you want for the same price.

Kids under 5 travel free, and kids between 5-15 get cheap fares but you’ll need to register with Auckland Transport first.

BYO (Bring Your Own) restaurants can be much cheaper when it’s time to get the bill

Auckland is the city of the $10 bottle of beer and $12 glass of wine. Going out and wanting to sample local flavours may end up costing a lot more than you expected it to. Thankfully, Auckland has plenty of BYO restaurants. This BYO list from VIVA Magazine highlights the ones they consider to be the best, but you can also do a Google map search. Supermarkets and wine shops all over Auckland sell quality New Zealand wine for $9-15 per bottle.

Foodcourts punch above their weight and save on the wallet

Forget creamy curries and bad Chinese, Auckland knows how to do foodcourts. The Ponsonby International Food Court and the Atrium in the CBD are two examples of places where you can have a fantastic lunch or dinner for around or little more than $10. The selection at both of these establishments is enormous and locals chow down on a regular basis.

Get a fantastic dining experience by knowing the best local places and/or using a voucher

First off, Groupon offers year-round dining vouchers, as does Grabone. Secondly, lists like best eats under $15 and Metro Magazine’s best cheap dining help pick the perfect place. Also, check out our Kids Eat Free page which offers additional value.

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And remember when it comes to personal loans, it’s what we do, so if you need some finance, talk to Auckland Loans today or apply online.

The first step… a few minutes is all you need to complete the loan application. One of our loan consultants will be in touch once we have received your application. If at any point you need assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a ring on 0800 323 130.

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